S. Jack Hu has been appointed as the new chancellor of UC Riverside, marking a significant change for the campus as it faces challenges in higher education funding. Hu, who currently serves as the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Georgia, will take over on July 15. He replaces Kim A. Wilcox, who has been chancellor since 2013 and is retiring.
The UC Board of Regents announced Hu’s appointment during a meeting on Wednesday. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the University of California system, which has recently faced scrutiny from the Trump administration. This includes cuts to funding for medical and scientific research, as well as concerns over diversity efforts and the enrollment of international students.
Hu has a strong background in academia and outreach, particularly to students from rural and low-income communities. He has overseen significant improvements at the University of Georgia, including a 20% increase in graduation rates. His focus will likely include enhancing student success, expanding healthcare access, and engaging with the local communities in the Inland Empire region.
Born in Hunan province, China, Hu is the first Asian American chancellor of UC Riverside. He earned his undergraduate degree from Tianjin University and holds advanced degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. His annual salary will be $824,000, slightly higher than Wilcox’s previous salary of $810,000.
During his remarks, Hu shared his personal journey as an immigrant and emphasized the importance of education. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead UC Riverside, a campus known for its diversity and commitment to serving first-generation college students.
UC Riverside has seen considerable growth under Wilcox’s leadership, expanding its enrollment by over 5,000 students and adding more than 200 faculty members. The campus has also joined the American Association of Universities, a prestigious group of top research institutions.
However, the new chancellor will face challenges, including federal funding cuts and a hiring freeze across the UC system. Last year, UC Riverside received over $40 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health, which has been impacted by funding reductions. Hu acknowledged these challenges and emphasized the need for universities to diversify their funding sources.
With a student population of more than 26,000 and a faculty of 4,700, UC Riverside is a vibrant campus that continues to grow. It has a strong reputation in various fields, including entomology and environmental sciences. As Hu steps into this role, he aims to build on the university’s successes while addressing the pressing needs of its students and the surrounding community.